Monday, May 26, 2008

FONET is one of the networking group under the National Association of Women Entrepreneur Malaysia (NAWEM). We decided to hold a Charity Garage Sales in partnership with Dignity & Services (D&S). FONET under the leadership of Alice Tan who produce swimwear and beach wear has been organising a few events this year to provide a platform for women to interact and network among the group.

Early this year, the group decided to organise a charity event as part of our social activity. As one the member I took the opportunity to garner their support to raise fund for D & S. I've been a friend and a part time organiser of D & S for the last 8 years. A non-governmental organisation, D & S champion the rights and dignity of people with learning disabilities.

And so, the sub-committee of FONET decided to embark on a garage sales on 25 May 2008 at No. 45, Medan Burhanuddin Helmi, Taman Tun Dr. Ismail which currently is running the OPTION, a program to teach youth from the age of 16 onward on basic living skills.

For the last 3 months, we sent out emails to all members and started collecting all kind of items for sales. The sub-committee appointed me as the project leader as I had the experience in running a garage sales. However, all members contributed towards the success of the project. We also got the green light and blessing from the EXCOs of NAWEM.

So, we set out to face the eventful day - printing of banners, brochures, t-shirts and advertisement in the Star paper. All these will not be possible if not for the help put together by all the ladies. Alice provided meals, Althea was our publicity and media committee, You Von who contributed quite a substantial amount of items, Mimi is our finance lady and not forgetting the twin girls of Alice who had done a great job to ease our workload. Of course their entrepreneurship come naturally from their mother!

Sales due to start at 10 am, a group of serious buyers already waited at the gate since 8 am. Finally, after some final touch up we open the gate for sales at 9.40 am.

In less than 2 hours, more than half the items in the house was taken up. Wow! We did not anticipate such an enthusiatic crowd and were really glad with the turn up. There was something for everyone - young and old.

By 1.00pm, we managed to raise RM1,200, another RM800 to reach our target. The night before, I was a little worried and not too sure if we could sell half the items especially the huge bundle of used clothing and bags. But by noon, I was confident of reaching our goal!

True enough, by 4pm - BINGO! This truly made my day! By now, there is only a handful of items left. We took a break and had our meals and tea. I saw those satisfied look in the faces of the ladies. A big THANK YOU to all the ladies, the youths, the parents especially Wendy and Ooi Loon, Jeya of D&S and all those who had contributed directly and indirectly to make this event a success!

Thank you Alice for leading by example. You have been most helpful, understanding and a true leader. You make us proud to be part of FONET!

King FAIRUL & Queen SURIATIeemmm.... look like the groom is a little shy on that pelamin while the bride proudly show off her prized possession ... King Fairul. Both are marathoner now ..... believe it or not?

Got an invitation from the Sanusi Family for the wedding of their youngest princess - Suriati on Saturday, 24 May 2006. I called up to confirm our attendance (Albert, Mandy and myself) on Saturday morning. Supposed to be there at 12.30pm but due to some unforseen circumstances, we only managed to get there at 3pm.

We just missed the Slowmovers gang (Chan and the gang) who probably had left for work (at Bernama). After congratulating the couple, we proceeded straight to the food area! Can't remember when was the last time I had nasi kunyit or nasi beriayani. We missed the bersanding program but still managed to get a glimpse of the bride and groom in their wedding dress. At the eating table, we were joined by the Sanusi family members and catched up on our running activities.

Then Suraya took us to visit the Pelamin and the 'wedding' room. One of the hantaran trays was a pair of running shoes! Hhhhmmmmmm ...... such an understanding and supportive hubby she got .......

Maybe must learn some technic from her on 'how to turn your would be husband to a runner'. Sounds like a good idea. So Suriati, how did you do it?

The Sanusi Family played very good host throughout our stay from the very minute we set foot on the ground. Kept us company all the time and never lack of humor and laughter. As we did not want to be left out from the auspicious celebration, we requested for a photo session with the couple on their lovely Pelamin.

And its time to make a move. We thanked the Sanusi Family for their invitation and once again wished the newly weds a happy and long lasting lifetime. And may they be bless with many children and grandchildren ...........

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Check this out! If you are a Runner, Swimmer or Cyclist - check out the shorts and tights which are real value for $$$$$$ !!!!! All goods are of good quality. There is something just for everyone in the family - Mom, Dad and the little ones, young and old .....

What is Human Rights? Do we really have rights? If Yes, what is our Rights? Have you ever thought about this subject at all? Ok, I'm asking too many questions at one go! But ...... What is Our Basic Human Rights?

Each and everyone of us do have some basic rights from the very first seconds when we came into this universe. But what exactly is that RIGHTS!

Our rights for clean air and water, a decent house, freedom of expression, decent meals and many other basic necessities. But why are we being denied the access to many of these and have to pay a high price for it?

I attended the recent Freedom Film Festival organised by KOMAS (Pusat Komuniti Masyarakat) at Annexe Building, Central Market, Kuala Lumpur. More than 100 people turned up to view a short movie on "Apa itu Hak Asasi Manusia" (What is Basic Human Rights). The short movie consist of three short story from three different background.

The first story was an interviewed with the people on the street. None can provide an answer. The second featured the struggle of the urban poor in Kampung Berembang, Ampang, Selangor about the brutality of the enforcement on the civilians and forced eviction. And the third is about the struggle of a student activist who turn into a social activist and ultimately became a politician and won a seat as a Member of Parliment in the recent concluded General Election on March 8, 2008. He shared with the audiences on his struggle for justice and how he was detained under the ISA in Kamunting Camp.

This short story is different from the normal movies. It has a touch of humor but a clear story line to get the message across. We have always taken our lives for granted and many still did not bother to go out and cast their vote for their future or at least for the future of the younger generation.... your children and grand children.

If you are interested to see this short stories, please sent me your contact and I'll be glad to get you a copy of the DVD or I can help to arrange for a screening at your community. This stories are meant for the community and suitable for viewer from as young as 6 to 100 years!Do something today. Regain your rights and be a responsible parents and citizens. The future of your children is in your hand!

You must be wondering what has this got to do with running. Yes, there is a connection to running. Everyday, someone out there is ...

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

This is an Exclusive package tour brought to you by runner to runners! A holiday with a difference incorporating a half marathon with lots of fun awaiting you on the island.

Christmas Island is a dot in the Indian Ocean, an Australian Territory and its closest neighbor is Java which is 360km away. CI is the summit of a submarine rising steeply to a central plateau dominated by stands of rainforest. This plateau reaches heights of up to 361 metres and consists mainly of limestones and layers of volcanic rock. The Island is surrounded by a narrow encircling coral reef. There is virtually no coastal shelf and sea plummets to a depth of about 500 metres within 200 metres of a shore.

The famous Red Crab

If you are a nature lover, Christmas Island is for you! 63% of it is national park containing species of flora found no where else in the world. Probably the most noticeable local is the Red Crab with over 100 million of these vivid red creatures living on the forest floor.

Come October, the people of Christmas Island will celebrate their 50th Territory Anniversary. Join the locals in the celebration. Be amazed by the friendliness of the islanders with very diverse cultures and religions.

Monday, May 12, 2008

North Star - RM30.00Bought more than 18 months ago while holidaying in Cameron Highlands. It was a last minutes decision. While having tea at one of the shops, a local friend casually mentioned that it would be a waste if just hang around at the mamak shop in Tanah Rata. He suggested climbing up Gunung Berembun.

As we were in slippers and its quite far to walk back to our camp site, we just walked into one of the departmental store and grab this Mr North Star. Since then Mr NS has been running with me in many road races. Mr NS had been to many 10KM races, 204km KL-Maran Walk (twice) and 21KM in the recent Kuala Lumpur International Marathon 2008. The most recent Bomba Run and Asthma Run, too.

So, thats my Mr NS latest look. Still quite good looking, right?

And the soon to be ............SAUCONY FW2 - RM130

My would-be 'Mr Right'. Better be because its gonna cost me 4x more than North Star. Here I come FW2, soon you'll be mine!

However, I have no intention to abandon my North Star yet cause it has been dutifully with me in many races and there will be many more to come.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

I was at Padang Merbuk approximately 7.25am. Headed to the Bibs & T-shirts distribution counter as Phyllis and Saliah were waiting for me to get their reporting card. Steven See tagged from behind. Three of us were in the Women category and Steven in the Men Veteran category. Although our registration surpassed the 800 mark, the officials on duty still handed the T-shirt to us as there were quite a number of t-shirts available but not with the Men category.

I really cannot understand this FTAAA officials. Many were angry and disappointed. Why can't they just set out a simple rule of 'first-come-first serve' policy in giving the so-called 800 limited stocks? After being an athletic event organiser for decades, their level of proffesionalism is definitely going down the drain. Only one or two serve with a smile while others just abused the authority, trust and respect accorded to them! Hey, FTAAA! Wake up and find your direction before the runners put you into cold room! Open your ears and eyes, listen and hear what the runners want!

All runs will not be complete without the Slowmovers gang especially the outstanding Sanusi Family. We had a good run and gathered for the photo session as usual. Finally, FTAAA gave out the T-shirts for those who completed the run but did not get the t-shirt earlier on. What a joker!

Ronnie, the Captain of Pacemakers dropped by to say hello. Met Dorai and Iyanar from KLAVA. Enjoyed the sandwich provided by the organiser while waiting for the lucky draw. The lucky draws consist of movie tickets to Iron Man showed at 12.30pm later in the noon. Just wonder if the sponsor really sincere in giving out the tickets? By the time the event concluded, it was already 10am. So they expect whoever got the tickets to head straight to the cinema ......... eeemmmm no more comments.

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Reached Dataran at 7.10am. While walking towards the bagage tent, met the Slowmovers gang and the Sanusi family. My other gang members waiting anxiously for me 'the manager' to give them the t-shirt and running bibs.

I supposed to signed up for the Women Veteran category of 7km but the fact that MK and new comers Yee Mey asked to register for Open category make me shy. So, I too go for the Open category.

7.30am sharp ... BANGGGG!!! The route was quite hilly and at certain stretch traffic was quite heavy as Saturday is still a working day for many. Understandably, the crowd was smaller too. I finished in the 50th placing (in approximately 1.15hr) and qualified for the medal.

Hang around at the road border with Chan & Suriati while waiting for the rest but after more than 15 minutes, none was at sight. Then we realised that the runners had taken a shorter route at the end of the field (near the traffic light at the church) and the FTAAA officials were seen handing out the participation cert to the incoming runners! Hey!@ Whats wrong? Andrew was confused as he couldn't figure out where was the finishing entrance which is understandable as I almost miss the actual 'entrance' too. But being a season runner, I headed towards the flag pole and turn into the padang heading towards the finishing line.

The man in white (traffic police) had done a good job but the same cannot be said about the performance of FTAAA. Their performance and credibility has deteriorated over time and perhaps its time for them to sit down and reflect upon their performance. Maybe its time for the current committee to take a rest and inject new blood in order to catch up with the trend.

Alright, see you all in the next race - Asthma Run 2008, Padang Merbuk.